#FactCheck- Viral video of burning ship falsely linked to US attack on vessel carrying Indian nationals in Oman waters
Executive Summary
Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers, a video showing a vessel engulfed in flames and thick black smoke is being widely circulated on social media. The clip is being shared with the claim that it depicts a US attack on a ship carrying Indian nationals in Omani waters. CyberPeace Research Wing research found the claim to be misleading. The viral video predates the incident it is being linked to and is not related to any recent attack.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared the video alleging that the United States attacked a ship carrying Indian citizens in the maritime region near Oman. The post has been widely circulated as part of the ongoing West Asia tensions. Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837, https://www.facebook.com/reel/3031094270427837
Fact Check:
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led to several media reports published on 2 March 2026, which carried the same visuals seen in the circulating clip. The reports indicated that the footage showed a vessel targeted amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following restrictions on maritime movement in the region. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-targets-6th-ship-in-hormuz-strait-video-shows-billowing-smoke-11159019
Further research also found the same visuals in a Moneycontrol report published on 2 March 2026. The report clearly established that the footage is from an earlier incident and not linked to any recent developments. https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/indian-crew-member-killed-after-drone-boat-strikes-oil-tanker-off-oman-coast-first-indian-casualty-in-us-iran-tensions-article-13848303.html
Conclusion:
The research confirms that the viral video is not related to any recent US attack on a vessel carrying Indian nationals. The footage has been online since at least March 2026 and shows an earlier incident involving the oil tanker Skylight during tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Hence, the claim being circulated on social media is misleading.
Related Blogs
A video circulating widely on social media claims that Indian cricketer Virat Kohli made a sarcastic remark about fast bowler Prasidh Krishna ahead of the New Zealand series. In the clip, Kohli is allegedly heard saying that he expected to be the top scorer of the series, but lost all hope after seeing Prasidh Krishna’s name in the squad.
Users sharing the video claim that Kohli publicly commented on Prasidh Krishna in this manner.
Research by the CyberPeace Foundation has found the viral claim to be false. Our probe revealed that the viral clip has been digitally manipulated. The video is originally from a 2024 advertisement featuring Virat Kohli, in which his voice has been altered using deepfake (AI-generated) technology and falsely presented with a misleading narrative.
Claim
The video was shared on Instagram on January 6, 2025, with users claiming that Kohli made the remark after the New Zealand squad was announced. The post included the altered audio suggesting Kohli’s disappointment over Prasidh Krishna’s selection. Link, archive link
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we extracted key frames from the viral video and conducted a Google Reverse Image Search. This led us to the original video posted by Virat Kohli himself on X (formerly Twitter) on April 15, 2024. The original clip was part of a brand advertisement, and no such statement about the New Zealand series or Prasidh Krishna was made in it. Link and Screenshot
A close review of the viral clip raised suspicions due to the unnatural tone and inconsistencies in Kohli’s voice. To confirm this, we analysed the video using the AI detection tool Aurigin AI. The tool’s results showed that the audio in the viral clip is 100 percent AI-generated, confirming that Kohli’s voice was artificially manipulated.
Conclusion
The CyberPeace Foundation’s research confirms that the viral video claiming Virat Kohli mocked Prasidh Krishna is fake and misleading. The clip is taken from an old advertisement and has been doctored using deepfake technology to alter Kohli’s voice. The video is being circulated on social media with a false claim, and Virat Kohli has made no such statement regarding the New Zealand series or Prasidh Krishna.
Introduction
Summer vacations have always been one of the most anticipated times in a child’s life. In earlier times, it was something entirely different. The season was filled with outdoor games, muddy hands, mango-stained mouths, and stories shared with cousins under the stars. Children lived in the moment, playing in parks, riding bicycles, and inventing new adventures without a screen in sight. Today, those same summer days are shaped by glowing devices, virtual games, and hours spent online. While technology brings learning and entertainment, it also invites risks that parents cannot ignore. The Cyber Mom Toolkit is here to help you navigate this shift, offering simple and thoughtful ways to keep your children safe, balanced, and joyful during these screen filled holidays.
The Hidden Cyber Risks of Summer Break
With increased leisure time and less supervision, children are likely to venture into unknown reaches of the internet. I4C reports indicate that child-related cases, such as cyberbullying, sextortion, and viewing offensive content, surge during school vacations. Gaming applications, social networking applications, and YouTube can serve as entry points for cyber predators and spammers. That's why it is important that parents, particularly mothers know what digital spaces their children live in and how to intervene appropriately.
Your Action Plan for Being a Cyber Smart Mom
Moms Need to Get Digitally Engaged
You do not need to be a tech expert to become a cyber smart mom. With just a few simple digital skills, you can start protecting your child online with confidence and ease.
1. Know the Platforms Your Children Use
Spend some time investigating apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, YouTube, or computer games like Roblox and Minecraft. Familiarise yourself with the type of content, chat options, and privacy loopholes they may have.
2. Install Parental Controls
Make use of native features on devices (Android, iOS, Windows) to limit screen time, block mature content, and track downloads. Applications such as Google Family Link and Apple Screen Time enable parents to control apps and web browsing.
3. Develop a Family Cyber Agreement
- Establish common rules such as:
- No devices in bedrooms past 9 p.m.
- Add only safe connections on social media.
- Don't open suspicious messages or click on mysterious links.
- Always tell your mom if something makes you feel uncomfortable online.
Talk Openly and Often
Kids tend to hide things online because they don't want to get punished or embarrassed. Trust is built better than monitoring. Here's how:
- Have non-judgmental chats about what they do online.
- Use news reports or real-life cases as conversation starters: "Did you hear about that YouTuber's hacked account?
- Encourage them to question things if they're confused or frightened.
- Honour their online life as a legitimate aspect of their lives.
Look for the Signs of Online Trouble
Stay alert to subtle changes in your child’s behavior, as they can be early signs of trouble in their online world.
- Sudden secrecy or aggression when questioned about online activity.
- Overuse of screens, particularly in the evening.
- Deterioration in school work or interest in leisure activities.
- Mood swings, anxiety, or withdrawn behaviour.
If you notice these, speak to your child calmly. You can also report serious matters such as cyberbullying or blackmail on the Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or visit https://cybercrime.gov.in
Support Healthy Digital Behaviours
Teach your kids to be good netizens by leading them to:
- Reflect Before Posting: No address, school name, or family information should ever appear in public posts.
- Set Strong Passwords: Passwords must be long, complicated, and not disclosed to friends, even best friends.
- Enable Privacy Settings: Keep social media accounts privately. Disable location sharing. Restrict comments and messages from others.
- Vigilance: Encourage them to spot fake news, scams, and manipulative ads. Critical thinking is the ultimate defence.
Stay alert to subtle changes in your child’s behavior, as they can be early signs of trouble in their online world.
Where to Learn More and Get Support as a Cyber Mom
Cyber moms looking to deepen their understanding of online safety can explore a range of helpful resources offered by CyberPeace. Our blog features easy-to-understand articles on current cyber threats, safety tips, and parenting guidance for the digital age. You can also follow our social media pages for regular updates, quick tips, and awareness campaigns designed especially for families. If you ever feel concerned or need help, the CyberPeace Helpline is available to offer support and guidance. (+91 9570000066 or write to us at helpline@cyberpeace.net). For those who want to get more involved, joining the CyberPeace Corps allows you to become part of a larger community working to promote digital safety and cyber awareness across the country.
Empowering Mothers Empowers Society
We at CyberPeace feel that every mother, irrespective of her background and technological expertise, has the potential to be a Cyber Mom. The intention is not to control the child but to mentor towards safer decisions, identify issues early, and prepare them for a lifetime of online responsibility. Mothers are empowered when they know. And children are safe when they are protected.
Conclusion
The web isn't disappearing, and neither are its dangers. But when mothers are digital role models, they can make summer screen time a season of wise decisions. This summer, become a Cyber Mom: someone who learns, leads, and listens. Whether it's installing a parental control app, discussing openly about cyberbullying, or just asking your child, "What did you discover online today? " that engagement can make a difference. This summer break, help your child become digitally equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the online world safely and confidently.
Cyber safety starts at home, and there's no better point of departure than being alongside your child, rather than behind them.
References
- https://cybercrime.gov.in
- https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT208982
- https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com
- https://www.cyberpeace.org
- https://ncpcr.gov.in
Executive Summary:
A photo that has gone viral on social media alleges that the Indian company Patanjali founded by Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev is selling a product called “Recipe Mix for Beef Biryani”. The image incorporates Ramdev’s name in its promotional package. However, upon looking into the matter, CyberPeace Research Team revealed that the viral image is not genuine. The original image was altered and it has been wrongly claimed which does not even exist. Patanjali is an Indian brand designed for vegetarians and an intervention of Ayurveda. For that reason, the image in context is fake and misleading.
Claims:
An image circulating on social media shows Patanjali selling "Recipe Mix for Beef Biryani”.
Fact Check:
Upon receiving the viral image, the CyberPeace Research Team immediately conducted an in-depth investigation. A reverse image search revealed that the viral image was taken from an unrelated context and digitally altered to be associated with the fabricated packaging of "National Recipe Mix for Biryani".
The analysis of the image confirmed signs of manipulation. Patanjali, a well-established Indian brand known for its vegetarian products, has no record of producing or promoting a product called “Recipe mix for Beef Biryani”. We also found a similar image with the product specified as “National Biryani” in another online store.
Comparing both photos, we found that there are several differences.
Further examination of Patanjali's product catalog and public information verified that this viral image is part of a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation, likely to damage the reputation of the brand and its founder. The entire claim is based on a falsified image aimed at provoking controversy, and therefore, is categorically false.
Conclusions:
The viral image associating Patanjali and Baba Ramdev with "Recipe mix for Beef Biryani" is entirely fake. This image was deliberately manipulated to spread false information and damage the brand’s reputation. Social media users are encouraged to fact-check before sharing any such claims, as the spread of misinformation can have significant consequences. The CyberPeace Research Team emphasizes the importance of verifying information before circulating it to avoid spreading false narratives.
- Claim: Patanjali and Baba Ramdev endorse "Recipe mix for Beef Biryani"
- Claimed on: X
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
